Clear your library fines, feed the community

The Food for Fines program is back at Moonee Valley Libraries this Christmas.

Now, more than ever, vulnerable community members are feeling the effects of the cost of living crisis, and are in need of support to help them celebrate the festive season. 

The Food for Fines initiative invites library patrons to donate non-perishable food items and other necessities at their local library. In return, any overdue loan fines will be cleared. 

The goods will be donated to Helping Hands Mission Inc, which works with agencies across Victoria, including Moonee Valley, to distribute aid to families and individuals in need. 

Moonee Valley City Council Mayor, Cr Pierce Tyson, encouraged the community to donate items of any value that people needed to get by each day.  

“We’re asking for people to donate necessities such as non-perishable foods and toiletries, so people in need can have one less thing to worry about during an already stressful time,” Mayor Tyson said. 

“By waiving any overdue library fines as a gesture of thanks, we are also hoping it might encourage library members with long-term overdue fines to reconnect with their local library. 

“Of course, you don’t need to have overdue fines or even be a library member to donate.” 

Much-needed items include canned food, rice, pasta, noodles, cereals, sauces, spreads, coffee, tea, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo and conditioner, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, nappies, feminine hygiene products, and dog and cat food. 

Donation collection bins can be found in all five Moonee Valley library branches: Sam Merrifield Library, Avondale Heights Library and Learning Centre, Ascot Vale Library, Flemington Library and Niddrie Library.   

The Food for Fines program will run until Friday, 29 December 2023.